Preparing for September

Starting school can be so nerve-wracking for children and also parents!  We completely understand how you feel as you approach this huge milestone in their lives.  Here are a few tips to support this transition..

Talk is key

You now have the 'welcome to reception' booklets so you can show your children pictures of the school.  Share the clips of the virtual tours and chat about things they might like to do when they start school.  Show them clips of their new teachers and read about what your teachers like to do: Welcome from your new teachers    You could talk to your children about what they like doing and suggest that this is something they can share with their new teachers.    

You could read them this story  Suzie goes to school and talk to them about how they are feeling.  Reassure them that it is ok to be a little bit worried because it is something new and unknown but that if they are in school and they feel sad, their teachers are there to talk to and make them feel better.  

* Some children have comforters that they don't go anywhere without.  In the current situation we are particularly strict on them bringing soft toys into school.  If you are worried about this - please talk to your class teacher.    

Walking/scooting/cycling to school

During the summer holidays, plan your route to school and even do a dummy run -this will hopefully build the excitement and prepare them for that first day.

School uniform

Make it fun and exciting to have a school uniform. Try it on before they start school but don't get it too early that they don't fit.  You might want to buy them some new school shoes or even a new lunchbox.  Here is the link to the school uniform if you aren't sure what to buy - school uniform

When they try their uniform on, get them to practise fastening and unfastening any buttons, zips, velcro, etc. This will save a lot of frustration when they are in school when they need to go to the toilet.

*Please remember to label their uniform.  If you can't face sewing in labels, just get a good permanent marker and write their first name and first letter of surname.  Things will get lost but if they are labelled, they usually find their way home.  

And chill..

Try to set out the clothes the night before and make sure you have your checklist...

- warm coat

- rucksack - (We have suggested you buy one with a side bottle holder so their water bottle doesn't spill.  We may reinstate book-bags down the line but for now we think it'll be easier for them to carry all their belongings in something more sizeable)

- labelled water bottle

- labelled packed lunch

- labelled snack (might be worth sending in two snacks so they have one for morning and also one for the afternoon)

It really doesn't seem much to remember but when you have a very excitable child and you want to get those pictures of them looking totally gorgeous in their uniform, the time runs away with you!

Remember, we are a caring community and we really want to support you in this transition.  Please do approach your class teachers if you have any concerns or worries - we are there for you too and we want to do all we can to make your child feel at home in our school.